Page 21 of Backup Plan

It’s only then that I realize something.

My best friend is a sixty-three-year-old woman with four grandchildren.

Actually…it feels like she’s my only friend.

When I was drafted to Pittsburgh, I dedicated my life to the game. I made friends there, but it feels an awful lot like I left them behind when I wasn’t re-signed. My dad’s crimes have isolated me from local friends. Sometimes it feels like my family is all I have left, though I suppose I’m working overtime to destroy my relationship with my oldest sister after what went down last night.

“You know I’ll always come back home to you, Dolores.”

She smiles affectionately. “So you’re visiting with the Storm? Don’t they have a quarterback?”

“They do. Their backup was hurt at practice. Out for the season, if not more. So they’re looking for a QB2.”

“But that’s not what you want,” she surmises.

“No, it’s not. But it’s better than a practice squad, and it’s better than all the other offers I’m getting.”

“Which are zero.”

“Zilch,” I confirm.

“Nada.”

I nod in agreement.

“Well, give it all you’ve got, then,” she says.

“You know I always do.”

“I know you do, and if it means anything at all, I believe in you. Whatever comes your way, you’re strong and smart. You’ve got this.”

Her pep talk actually goes a long way to help.

“And the girl from last night, Everleigh’s friend?” she adds, and I nod as I glance up at her. “Maybe she doesn’t just have to be one night like all the others.”

It’s like she can read on my face that I want more time with her, and maybe that’s what she meant when she said I look different. I feel different today, but I also just got done with an intense workout that lasted the better part of several hours.

“I left you some breakfast casserole. Eat it before it gets cold,” she says. She’s an incredible chef, and there’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal.

“You’re the best,” I say, and I cross the room to give her a hug from the side while she continues working.

“Don’t you forget it.”

I most certainly will not.

She finishes cleaning and heads out, and I put away the stuff she sorted into my keep pile, mainly stacking the gear into the closet in my workout room.

It’s getting late when my phone starts to ring.

Madden Bradley flashes across my screen.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Greetings,” he says formally, and I chuckle. “Any word on Dad?”

“Nothing new. The trial is set to start June seventh, and I haven’t spoken to him in a few weeks. You?”

“Kennedy and I traveled a bit after the season ended, but we avoided Chicago since he’s been staying at my place. I heard you’ll be in San Diego and just wanted to check if you need anything while you’re here.”